General Academic Services

Excuse Me, but I'm Afraid Your As Is Dangling...

Two Tips for Avoiding Awkward Sentences

Tip #1: If you start a sentence with a modifier (that is, with a
descriptive -ed or -ing word or an "As… " phrase) you must be sure that the
subject of the sentence connects logically with that modifier. Don't let the modifier
"dangle" unattached. Ask yourself, "Who is doing this?" and
then be sure that the subject of the sentence you wrote provides the correct
answer.

Awkward: As a certified addictions counselor,
higher paychecks can be expected.

Better: As a certified addictionscounselor, you can expect higher paychecks.

(It isn't the paychecks that are the certified addictions counselor,
it's the person you're speaking to.)

Awkward: Chained to my desk, the piles of
paperwork seem to be growing by the hour.

Better:Chained
to my desk, I felt as though the piles
of paperwork are growing by the hour.

(It isn't the piles of paperwork that are chained to the desk, it's
you yourself.)

Awkward:Being a dedicated counselor,
appointmentsshould not be cancelled just because of tiredness.

Better:Being
a dedicated counselor, I know that appointments should not be
cancelled just because of tiredness.

(It isn't the appointments that are the dedicated counselor, it's the
person speaking.)

Tip #2: Keep modifiers as close as possible to the words they
describe, to prevent possible misunderstandings.

Awkward: Caught wearing nothing but a
raincoat, the police quickly arrested the flasher. (This sentence
makes it sound as though the policemen were working in their birthday suits
rather than in their uniforms.)